Karikkathi Beach Houses

Simplicity and style beside a truly stunning private beach - 2 lovely cottages (sleeping 2-6) with staff, quite literally off the beaten track

Karikkathi Beach Houses are quite simply that: small cottages next to a gorgeous white sandy beach - it would be difficult to get any closer to the Arabian Sea without falling in. The original cottage sits right on the shore and is now joined by a twin, just a few metres up the cliff. Reached on foot via a path winding through coconut groves, both houses are fabulously isolated and scenic, undisturbed by traffic or day-trippers.

Designed by Swiss architect Karl Damschen (creator of the nearby Surya Samudra hotel, which shares the little beach), the 2 cottages are rustic yet elegant, with palm-thatched roofs supported by casuarina rafters, clean white walls and shady verandas. Windows with wooden shutters frame ocean views, floors are tiled in terracotta and the simple furniture is made from wood and rattan. Outside, tiered terraces are brightened with hibiscus flowers and red tablecloths, sprinkled with crushed shells that feel powdery-soft underfoot and furnished with hammocks and loungers. This feels like your own idyllic holiday home and, as well as Ayurvedic treatment rooms with on-site practitioners, there’s a staff of 3 to look after your every need. Your back garden is Karikkathi beach, where you can lie back to the sound of the crashing surf and watch the evening sun dissolve into the sea like a molten coin.

Highs

• The sea views and sunsets are out of this world and the dramatic pounding of waves lends a stirring percussive soundtrack
• The houses combine peace and privacy with dedicated staff, including an experienced chef, who provide friendly yet discreet service
• It’s a great spot for a chilled-out week of expert Ayurveda treatments
• There are very tasty vegetarian and fresh fish dishes (including lobster), which are prepared remarkably swiftly
• Fine dining is also available at Surya Samudra’s restaurants nearby

Lows

• The crashing waves may disturb light sleepers
• If you don't book both rooms in your cottage, you may find yourself sharing with strangers
• There’s no pool and the sea is only suitable for strong swimmers (and not even those when the red flags are out)
• The night-time lighting is not very bright (making reading difficult) and the sheets are not as soft as they could be
• You’re occasionally approached by hawkers on the beach, but only a fraction of the numbers working the bigger, busier beaches